Jean Hutcheson

March 28, 2016

IMB Language Arts
Reflection: Classroom Document
The first grade classroom that I observed in for my IMB clinical was
strategically set up to fulfill students needs and promote an overall
successful academic environment. The front of the room contained the
whiteboard and a large carpet with individual colorful squares for students to
sit on. At the edge of the carpet was a single rocking chair, reserved for the
line leader of the day. Students desks were grouped in clusters of four with
three single desks scattered throughout the room for students with behavior
issues. The teachers desk was placed at the back of the classroom, giving
her a clear view of the entire classroom and all of her students.
In the corner of the room the teacher had created a cozy reading
corner and library. The library contained hundreds of books covering a
variety of topics. The books were organized into a system based on reading
level. This allowed students to easily select a level book from the library
when the class would have quiet reading time. The walls of the classroom
contained posters of reading tips, students birthday, elements of a story,
colors, seasons, and math strategies.
One of the most important things I noticed was how important the
carpet was in terms of classroom management. The teacher used the carpet
as a central learning location, a way of transitioning her students from one

thing to another, and a way of assigning partners/group work. Another thing I

liked was that the walls were completely covered in decoration. Ive found
that a bright and colorful classroom adds so much to a learning environment.
Lastly, I thought it was interesting that my teacher had students sit in
individual desks separate from a group if they struggled with behavior issues
or paying attention. I found this to be an incredibly effective way of
managing those individual students and the classroom as a whole.